Lactation support group available for new moms

Lactation consultant Carolyn Lowe (left) talks with Bridget Owens about breastfeeding her baby, 16-month-old James Owens, during an appointment June 24 at Brooke Army Medical Center. (Photo by Lori Newman)

Brooke Army Medical Center will hold the first lactation
support group from noon to 3 p.m. July 8.

Robyn Roche-Paull, the author of “Breast Feeding in Combat
Boots” will speak. The BAMC Pediatric Clinic lactation room on the first floor
will be rededicated with a cake-cutting ceremony.

Following this event a series of recurrent monthly meetings,
hosted by lactation consultant Carolyn Lowe, will be held the second and fourth
Friday of each month.

“Transition to parenthood can be scary and lonely for
anyone, especially for our active duty service members who are separated from
their families,” said Army Capt. Arielle J. Dietz, assistant head nurse for
labor and delivery.

“The creation of the lactation support group is in line with
the new Department of Defense policy and demonstrates that BAMC is a community
of caring. The inception of the lactation support group proves that command
knows its value.”

The intention of the lactation support group is to increase
the confidence of women whose aim is to breastfed. The group approach will
promote relationships and empower mothers to achieve their breastfeeding goals.

“Sharing experiences among women undergoing similar life
events can assist women in coming to terms with their own experiences and
enable them to support each other,” Dietz said.

Group members will be able to identify their needs and set
their own agenda within the group. This will promote empowerment, which will
enhance self-esteem and encourage them to set and reach their ultimate
breastfeeding goals.

“Breastfeeding has numerous health benefits for both mom and
baby. It provides a degree of protection against illness and disease for
infants which is directly correlated to the duration of time spent
breastfeeding,” said Army Capt. Bridget Owens, BAMC dietitian.

“Both the World and Health Organization and the American
Academy of Pediatrics recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least the first
six months of life,” Lowe said.

Each meeting will include the presentation of a short
educational topic followed by mom-to-mom discussion and group support.

Topics will include the importance and instruction of proper
latch, pumping, returning to work, sleep and physical activity for new
moms.

“In addition, successful breastfeeding may help mothers
return to pre-pregnancy weight more quickly which is in conjunction with the
performance triad will promote readiness in our active duty population,” Dietz
said.